County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County
Digital Content

Consumers Energy Preparing for Potentially Hazardous Ice in Northern and Mid-Michigan

Posted

Hazardous weather is expected across areas of the Lower Peninsula late this morning through the evening. The storm could include up to 0.40” of ice and could result in power outages, downed wires, and other safety hazards in northern and mid-Michigan.

The Consumers Energy Restoration Team has been monitoring this developing storm for several days and is ready to respond. The company has over 200 crews on its system to assist with potential restoration efforts. Personnel are getting sufficient rest while we prepare our trucks and essential materials.

To help the public prepare for what to do before, during and after a storm, we encourage the media to visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter for helpful tips. At this location, customers also can visit the online outage map, report an outage and sign up to receive power restoration updates.

Some preparation tips for potential severe weather include:

·       Charge all electronic devices. It’s advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage.

·       Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.

·       Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.

Consumers Energy also urges the public to keep these important storm safety tips in mind:

·        Stay at least 25 feet away from downed wires, keep children or pets away, and report the issue by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. Consumers Energy crews are taking extra health and safety precautions because of the COVID-19 situation and asks the public to keep at least six feet of distance from its crews.

·        A portable generator should be placed at least 25 feet away from any doors, windows or fresh air intakes. Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, basement or enclosed area. Proper ventilation is critical.

  • Be alert to crews working along roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here